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Brette Borow

@brette_borow

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Women’s health + mental health + everything in between
Quotes, advice & a bit more of me in stories

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I don’t usually share stories like this, but it’s a beautiful reminder of how much kindness still exists in the world.

As many of you know, my mom has been battling Alzheimer’s for over a decade and is now in the late stages. The holidays are especially hard because they were our time—filled with shopping, decorating, and spending extra time together. My mom used to say Black Friday marked the start of our “shop till we drop” season. Those days are gone now, and I hold onto the memories—and her belongings—even more tightly.

In October, I went to Chicago to visit my mom and attend a gala. Right before I left, one of her necklaces I’ve been wearing got tangled with my other jewelry. I took it off, planning to put it back on before the event, but in the chaos of the weekend, I completely forgot. When I returned to LA, I realized it was missing. Cue utter panic. I tore apart my place, called the hotel, asked my mom’s caregivers and friends to search everywhere, even prayed to my grandma Meme and Saint Anthony. I was desperate to find it. I felt so irresponsible, so careless. The guilt was overwhelming.

Then, I got an email from @revolve saying I’d accidentally returned an extra necklace with my recent return. I immediately wrote back, called customer service, and spoke to the kindest woman, Taryn. I explained the situation (the necklace must’ve been in the pouch with the bracelets I returned) and that it could only be THE necklace.

An hour later, Taryn called back. She wasn’t sure if it was THE necklace, but she had arranged to send it to me at the place where I was traveling. When it arrived (a day early!), I opened the package and couldn’t believe my eyes—it was my mom’s necklace!

The irony isn’t lost on me that my mom was the one who introduced me to Revolve 15 years ago. I’d give anything to sit with her again and scroll through their site like we used to. Now, every time I shop there, I’ll hold onto her necklace and think of her.

Thank you to @revolve and anyone who’s ever gone the extra mile to make someone’s day. Kindness really does matter and “sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts.”

#revolve #missyoumom #grateful #endalz #bekind by @brette_borow

After three years of wanting to write this post, I’m finally ready to share something deeply personal. I’ve always believed in the power of sharing our stories—our struggles, strengths, and experiences. By opening up, we can offer hope to someone who might feel lost, scared, or misunderstood. Knowing we’re not alone is one of the most powerful connections we can feel in this unpredictable, beautiful, and ever-changing journey called life.

And yet, for three years I struggled to share my story—not because I didn’t want to (especially if it could help even one woman), but because I didn’t know how. I didn’t feel like I deserved to take up this space. I worried about being judged, about people seeing me differently, and about the possibility of making this already challenging chapter even harder. So, I stayed silent and let this experience marinate. But now, I finally feel ready.

Today, I’m both excited and a little nervous to share that I recorded an episode of the Talk With a Doc podcast, hosted by my dear friend @maryrenouf for @providencehealthsystem, where I tell my story.

On June 1, 2021, my world changed when I learned I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation. My OB-GYN told me, “It’s not a question of if you’ll get breast cancer, but when…” After consulting with several doctors, I knew I had to be proactive.

On August 23, 2021, I underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction during the height of the pandemic.

I’d be lying if I said these few years have been easy. They’ve been hard, sad, scary, and overwhelming. But, I truly believe that knowledge is power and this knowledge likely saved my life.

While I still have more surgeries ahead to further reduce my cancer risk, I’m deeply grateful to be here today. It has taken three years to reach a place of acceptance, fully process what this journey means, and share it.

My hope is that by sharing this, others who may be walking a similar path will feel empowered, inspired, and most importantly, less alone. Please see the link in my bio for the full podcast & feel free to share with anyone you think this could help. 🩷 #brca1 #breastcancerawareness #breasties #breastcancerawarenessmonth #previvor by @brette_borow

Another pink flower Christmas tree because tradition, but make it pink. And yes, I may be a little late posting this… but better late than never. 💗🌺🎄

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!!! ✨

#pinkchristmas #pinkchristmastree #christmastreedecorating #happyholidays by @brette_borow

In a world full of labels, filters, and highlight reels, being yourself is the most courageous thing you can do. 🫶🏼

#womenempoweringwomen #beyourself #loveyourself #courageous #selflovequotes #wordsofwisdom #knowyourworth #selflovejourney by @brette_borow

On Sunday, May 4th, I had the honor of attending the @socalzofficial Magic of Music Gala in support of the fight against Alzheimer’s. It’s a cause deeply personal to me, as I just came back from visiting my mom who continues her own battle with this heartbreaking disease.

I was proud to be on the gala committee for the 2nd year (thank you @mbcamille & Kelly) The night was truly magical, hosted by @mrbradybaby and honoring @paul_smenus (Director of The Notebook) and @crystalkungminkoff who shared touching stories about how Alzheimer’s has impacted their lives.

Incredible performances by @davidfoster, @katharinefoster, @mlebear, and @sheleamusic (thank you, @elmolovano, for capturing it all!) added even more heart to the evening.

I lost count of how many times I thought, I wish my mom could be here. But when Katharine sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a song my mom used to sing to me, I struggled to hold back tears.

From the glitz and live musical performances to the spirit of giving back, this night had my mom written all over it. She was the queen of black-tie events/cocktail parties, a lover of the arts, and deeply committed to giving back and helping others. So much so that when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she immediately reached out to the @alzassociation’s home office in Chicago, eager to get involved if it meant another family might be spared what ours was facing. The tragedy was that, unbeknownst to any of us, she was already beginning her own battle with this devastating disease, and her work was abruptly cut short.

I know she would’ve been proud of me for doing my small part to help finish what she started.

While It’s too late for my mom, I believe in a future where Alzheimer’s has a cure. A future where no family has to go through what so many of us are facing. The Alzheimer’s Association and nights like this bring that hope closer to reality. 💜

Special thanks to @lisalblaine for being my plus one and to my glam squad @katguevaramua (makeup), @heatherabuelhair (hair), @litfacebylena (skin), and @portofinobeverlyhills (tan). You’re the best of the best! 🥰

#alzheimers #endalz #endalzheimers #iloveyoumom #magicofmusic by @brette_borow

I haven’t stopped thinking about Demi Moore’s speech from the Golden Globes last night. And, it just feels like the perfect reminder for this first Monday of the new year. Thank you @demimoore for reminding all of us of our worth and that we do belong. 🩷

#womenempoweringwomen #wordsofwisdom #selfworth #selfworthquotes #selflove #followyourdreams #believeinyourself #femaleempowerment #youareenough #demimoore #iamenough by @brette_borow

My purpose was in becoming the woman I was always meant to be. 💫

#selfdiscovery #growth #authenticity #empoweredwomen #healingjourney #selflove #femaleempowerment #becomingher #innerstrength #womensupportingwomen #confidence #unstoppable #personalgrowth #purposedrivenwoman #glowup #selfcare by @brette_borow

She’s coming back to herself… and it feels pretty damn good! 💪🏼

For any woman who’s going through a hard season… please keep going. There will be a day where you realize that these battles weren’t meant to break you but help shape you into an even better version of yourself. 💎

Feel free to tag or share with any woman who may need to feel empowered, inspired or a reminder that she’s got this! 🩷

#femaleempowerment #womenempowerment #quotes #quoteoftheday #wordsofwisdom #selflove #mentalwellness #womeninspiringwomen #selfcare #selflovequotes #strongwomen #strongwomenquotes by @brette_borow

What does 2025 want for you? Take a screenshot and find out. ✨

Feel free to share this with the other women in your life and/or save this for when you need a little pick-me-up or just a little glimmer of positivity! 🤍

#selflove #womensupportingwomen #motivationalquotes #thisismyyear #2025 #manifesting #femaleempowerment #quoteoftheday #quotestoinspire #inspirational by @brette_borow

Proud of how far I’ve come, and excited for where this year will take me. So many amazing memories made in 2024 with the people I love. I’m hopeful 2025 will fill my heart in the same way. ✨

#happynewyear #selflove #brca1 #mylife #previvor #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #motivationalquotes #quoteoftheday by @brette_borow

Page 1 of 365. A new chapter begins. Wishing you all a Happy New Year! 🌟

May it be a year of growth, courage, health, peace, endless possibilities… A year that fills your heart with love and happiness. 🤍

Swipe for more page 1 of 365 inspiration and let me know which one resonates with you most! (Of course, feel free to share any of them that you think will help others, too!) 🥰

#happynewyear #happynewyear2025 #motivationalquotes #selflove #selflovequotes #womensupportingwomen #writingmystory #newyearsresolution #mentalhealth #mylifestory #quotestoliveby by @brette_borow

After two years, I finally decorated my holiday tree again. It might just be a tree, but this small act of creativity felt deeply meaningful to me. In fact, it might be my favorite one yet—not just because of how it looks, but because of what it represents.

This tree is a reminder of how far I’ve come. Just a few years ago, after my surgery, even raising my arms to decorate was nearly impossible. Now, I not only feel like myself again but a stronger, better version of me.

The holidays can still be bittersweet, especially without being able to celebrate fully with my mom. But moments like these—finding joy in the little things—remind me there’s always something to smile about.

To anyone struggling this holiday season: take care of yourself, give yourself grace, and try to find those small sparks of joy. Sometimes, it’s the little things that light the way.

Wishing you all a safe, healthy holiday season! 🤍#happyholidays #christmastree #pinkaesthetic #christmasdecor #tistheseason #chrismukkah #merrychristmas #itsthelittlethings #mentalhealth by @brette_borow